Lok Sabha Passes Bill Raising Supreme Court Judge Strength to 38 Amid Mounting Pendency

On 3 August 2026, the Lok Sabha passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, increasing the sanctioned strength of judges of the Supreme Court of India.

The amended provisions will take effect retrospectively from 16 May 2026.

Key Highlights:

1. The Lok Sabha has passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, seeking to amend the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956.

2. The Bill proposes to amend Section 2 of the Act to increase the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges from 33 to 37.

3. As a result, the total strength of the Supreme Court, including the Chief Justice of India, will increase from 34 to 38 judges.

4. The Bill seeks to replace the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026, which increased the sanctioned strength of judges.

5. The Bill contains a saving clause to ensure that all actions taken under the Ordinance remain valid and are treated as having been taken under the amended Act.

Also Read: President Appoints Four Chief Justices and One Senior Advocate to Supreme Court, Taking Working Strength Closer to New Sanctioned Strength of 38

[Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, dated 2-8-2026]